How can Makaton sign language help my baby’s development?

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes giving them the tools they need to communicate effectively. One great way to do this is by teaching your baby Makaton sign language.

In this blog post, we will explore why your baby should learn Makaton sign language and how it can benefit them.

What is Makaton Sign Language?

Makaton sign language is a form of communication that uses signs and symbols to support speech. It is designed to help people who struggle with speech, language, and communication difficulties. Makaton is used widely across the UK, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a tool for teaching babies and young children to communicate.

Why Your Baby Should Learn Makaton Sign Language

1. Promotes Early Communication: Learning Makaton sign language can help your baby to communicate their needs and wants from an early age, reducing frustration and promoting a sense of independence.
2. Enhances Language and Vocabulary: Using Makaton sign language alongside spoken language can help to enhance your baby's language and vocabulary. It provides a visual aid that can help your baby to understand the meaning of words and phrases.
3. Improves Cognitive Development: Learning Makaton sign language can improve your baby's cognitive development by helping them to develop memory and concentration skills.
4. Encourages Social Interaction: Using Makaton sign language can encourage social interaction, as it provides a fun and engaging way for your baby to communicate with others.
5. Supports Inclusion: Makaton sign language is widely used in schools and other educational settings, which means that by teaching your baby Makaton, you are helping to promote inclusion and accessibility for all.

How to Teach Makaton Sign Language to Your Baby

Teaching Makaton sign language to your baby is easy and can be done in a fun and engaging way. You can start by learning a few basic signs yourself and incorporating them into your daily routine. For example, you can use signs for common words like "milk," "more," and "all done." You can also use Makaton sign language books, videos, and classes to help you and your baby learn together.

Teaching your baby Makaton sign language can have numerous benefits for their communication, language, cognitive, and social development. By promoting early communication, enhancing language and vocabulary, improving cognitive development, encouraging social interaction, and supporting inclusion, Makaton sign language can help your baby to thrive. So why not give it a try and see the amazing benefits for yourself?

Find a Makaton Sign Language class near you

Here at LullaBaby we are founded on over 20 years' of research and experience, enabling you to enjoy this precious time with your baby, safe in the knowledge that you are giving them the best start.

Our babies love their weekly classes. Every week is different, and with over 80+ different lesson plans, you can be sure your baby will always have something new and exciting to look forward to.

Lullababy offer 3 different classes all offering different activities depending on your babies age:

·       Step 1 is for babies from birth to 5 months.

·       Step 2 is for babies from 2 to 13 months.

·       Step 3 is for 13 months to 2 years of age.

These classes are designed to stimulate your baby and introduce them to new things. These activities include:

1.      Makaton Sign Language

2.     Baby massage

3.    Baby Yoga

4.    Music and Movement

5.     Paediatric First Aid

6.    Sensory Play

7.     Social Time

8.     Baby Graduation

FIND A CLASS